Bulgaria tightens security at air base over reported Iranian threat

Bulgaria has increased security at Bezmer Air Base following reports that Iranian forces had assessed potential military targets in southeastern Europe, including US military assets in Bulgaria.

Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said authorities had taken “all possible measures” at the base in coordination with the Defense Ministry.

He said the precautions were being implemented against a threat level considered higher than the level currently indicated by Bulgarian security services.

“We are constantly monitoring the situation and developments,” Demerdzhiev said, adding that authorities would continue taking precautionary measures that are more extensive and intensive than the current intelligence assessment would suggest.

US aircraft deployed at Bezmer

The security measures follow reports that Iranian forces had considered possible strikes against US military assets in southeastern European countries.

Bulgaria’s parliament approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and up to 250 US military personnel at Bezmer on July 22.

The deployment, authorized from July 24 through Oct. 1, is intended to support US military operations in the Middle East.

Bulgaria has not indicated that an attack on the base is imminent.

Iran-US talks remain stalled

The reported threat comes amid continued tensions between Iran and the United States.

Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February and paving the way for a broader agreement.

However, negotiations have since stalled over disagreements about implementation and arrangements concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Separate talks involving Iran and Oman on navigation through the strategic waterway have continued, but have yet to produce a breakthrough.

Source:AA